Syracuse Considers Moving Basketball Court To Center Of Carrier Dome For Duke Game

August 2, 2013

Syracuse Univ. officials are "considering a plan that would move the basketball court to the middle" of the Carrier Dome's football field for its game against Duke this season, according to Mike Waters of the Syracuse POST-STANDARD. Moving the court would allow for SU to break the NCAA's "all-time attendance record for an on-campus game." The current record of 35,012 was set on Feb. 23 when SU "hosted Georgetown for the final time as Big East foes." It was the "first announced sellout in the Carrier Dome's history." The school is "looking to celebrate its new membership in the ACC," but SU Exec Senior Associate AD/Chief Communications Officer & External Affairs Joe Giansante "remained non-committal" about moving the court. He said, "We're looking for ways to celebrate our inclusion in the ACC. Obviously, when Duke comes to town, it's going to be a special day." Waters noted a Duke-Syracuse game with the court in the middle of the Carrier Dome would "likely draw a crowd of 50,000 or more." But moving the court from its usual location near the south end zone would be "no easy task." The Carrier Dome's wiring is "set up for television crews," and that would "have to be re-done on a one-time basis." The seating also would be a "logistical challenge as season-ticket holders would have their seat locations altered" (SYRACUSE.com, 8/1).